'Judge Mitch' educates Greeks on the dangers of hazing

By Liz Bracher, Staff Writer

September 28, 2008 | 5:06 p.m.

Former judge Mitch Crane spoke to members of Greek Life about the risks of hazing to observe National Hazing Prevention Week on Wednesday, Sept. 24 at Templeton-Blackburn Memorial Auditorium.

Every fall, members of Ohio University's 30 Greek-letter organizations look forward to Homecoming Week. Fundraisers, sports competitions and parade float building keep everyone busy. Members of GAMMA (Greeks Advocating the Mature Management of Alcohol) felt it would be appropriate to have Crane, "Judge Mitch," speak to members of Greek Life.

Crane has traveled to hundreds of college campuses all over the United States and spoken to Greeks, athletes and members of various student organizations about hazing, binge drinking and substance abuse.

Crane began his speech by telling the story of a college freshman girl who was pressured by her sorority sisters to attend a fraternity party where she was sexually assaulted. While this particular story gained national attention, Crane made the point that “people who aren't involved on college campuses don't know what goes on.

He went on to tell other hazing horror stories, stressing the importance of being responsible all the while. He mentioned that this behavior is what gives many people a negative impression of fraternities and sororities.

In college, Crane was a brother of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, and he experienced first-hand situations in which hazing and alcohol played a role. He posed the question, “Where do alcohol abuse and hazing fit into the ideals of Greek organizations?"

This point and others received positive feedback from Crane's audience. "[Crane] had a really personable approach and directly connected with the audience," sophomore GAMMA member Susie Kuilder said. "He made an effort to get on their level."

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For more information on Judge Mitch and his programs, visit judgemitch.com.